Encyclopedia

U.S. Brand Names

Aldactone®

Canadian Brand Names

Aldactone®; Novo-Spiroton

Mexican Brand Names

Aldactone; Vivitar

Pharmacologic Category

Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing; Selective Aldosterone Blocker

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Spironolactone can cause tumors in animals. These were long-term studies using larger doses than would be used in humans.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to spironolactone or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: High potassium levels or kidney disease.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.

• This medicine is used to increase potassium stores in the body.

• This medicine is used to improve a weakened heart.

• This medicine is used to treat acne.

How does it work?

• Spironolactone prevents potassium loss.

• It reduces production of a secretion from skin glands.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with food.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking this medicine for acne, you should be at least 15 years of age.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium supplements.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.

• For females, breast tenderness or deepening of voice.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

• For males, enlarged breasts.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after expiration date on bottle.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:46:04.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:20.0

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